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Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken

Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken

Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken recipe seasoned with a bold blend of smoky, spicy, and savory Cajun spices. Perfect for summer BBQs or zesty weeknight dinners, it features a crisp, charred exterior and tender interior, easily customizable to your preferred heat level and protein choice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Spice Mix

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cajun Spice Mix: Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the spice mix evenly over each piece, pressing gently to form a thick crust. Optionally, add fresh lemon juice for brightness. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high and clean the grates. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and promote caramelization.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill and cook 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Turn once to achieve grill marks and even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the grill and let rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender results before slicing or serving.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking — target 165°F internal temperature.
  • Let grilled chicken rest before cutting to retain moisture.
  • Grill in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken, Cajun chicken, grilled chicken recipe, spicy grilled chicken, BBQ chicken, Cajun seasoning, easy chicken recipe